Trump urges Senate to end clock changes permanently

President Donald Trump has renewed his push to end the twice-yearly clock change in the United States, urging the Senate to pass legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent. In a Truth Social post, Trump called on the Senate to pass the "NO MORE CHANGING THE CLOCKS ACT," arguing that more evening daylight could help fight crime. This comes after the House of Representatives passed the Sunshine Protection Act, H.R. 139, which would make daylight saving time permanent across most of the country. The Senate is currently in recess and is scheduled to return on September 14, leaving a narrow window to act before the clocks are set back on November 1.

The legislative path is uncertain. The bill could pass by unanimous consent if no senator objects, but if any senator raises an objection, Senate rules generally require 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. Several senators have already voiced opposition, including Republican Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who warned that permanent daylight saving time would make winter mornings darker for children and workers in some regions. Other Republican opponents include Ted Budd, Deb Fischer, Jerry Moran, Tim Sheehy, Dan Sullivan, Roger Wicker, and Todd Young. Democratic opponents include Lisa Blunt Rochester, Tammy Duckworth, Amy Klobuchar, Gary Peters, and Jacky Rosen.

If the Senate passes the bill without changes and President Trump signs it before November 1, the scheduled return to standard time would be prevented, and daylight saving time would become permanent. If the Senate fails to act in time, the current law remains in effect, and clocks will move back one hour on November 1. Trump has repeatedly called for an end to the clock changes, and the House vote gives him a fresh opportunity to push the issue, with the measure attracting bipartisan support. The push could also give Trump a chance to deliver on a popular issue ahead of the midterm elections.

In March 2022, the Senate passed an earlier version of the Sunshine Protection Act by unanimous consent, but it stalled in the House without a final vote. Daylight saving time in most of the United States begins on the second Sunday in March, when clocks are moved forward one hour at 2 a.m., shifting daylight from morning to evening. Several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, remain on standard time year-round.